What happens when a lifestyle trend collides with a better way to build?

In this episode of the Build it Better Podcast, Robert Johnson sits down with Matt Glasgow, co-founder of Barndo & Co., to unpack the explosive growth of barndominiums—and why this isn’t just a housing trend, but a shift in how people think about land, lifestyle, and construction.

From humble beginnings in real estate and contracting to building a global brand spanning Canada, the U.S., and Australia, Matt shares how Barndo & Co. is redefining the journey to homeownership. This isn’t about selling a building—it’s about guiding clients through a transition: from idea… to land… to financing… to a finished home.

Together, Robert and Matt dig into:

Why barndominiums are attracting thousands of people every month—and what’s driving the demand

The hidden gaps in traditional pre-engineered steel building models (and how Barndo & Co. filled them)

The emotional and financial realities behind “building your dream on land”

Why most people aren’t ready to build—and how to guide them there

The evolution from red iron to prefabricated cold-formed steel—and what that unlocks

How non-combustible construction, insulation performance, and speed-to-build are changing the game

The real opportunity in affordable housing—and why “doing more than talking about it” matters

This episode also explores a powerful idea:
Building better isn’t just about materials—it’s about decisions made early that eliminate risk, reduce cost, and create a better outcome.

With a growing global footprint, integrated real estate and financing channels, and a mission to make barndominiums a true lifestyle movement, Barndo & Co. is pushing the industry forward.

And with prefabricated cold-formed steel entering the conversation, the future of this space may be even bigger than anyone expected.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

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https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Construction doesn't have to be chaotic. This show is proof.

Build It Better is the podcast for real estate developers, builders, and operators who are tired of volatility disguised as "the nature of the business."

Every episode cuts through the noise with conversations that matter — the kind that happen when people who've actually lost sleep over projects sit down and talk honestly about what works, what doesn't, and why most problems were preventable.

We cover:

• Prefabricated and industrialized construction
• Schedule risk and capital protection
• Systems-based delivery vs. field improvisation
• How smart developers protect margin before bid day
• The upstream decisions that determine whether a jobsite is calm or chaotic

This isn't theory. It's pattern recognition built over decades — applied to the pressures developers and builders are facing right now.

Chaos is improvised. Better is engineered.

New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe so you don't miss them.

Build It Better is powered by Global Haven Ventures — a strategic advisory practice helping developers of multifamily, hospitality, student, and senior housing reduce schedule risk and protect capital through prefabricated cold-formed steel and industrialized construction systems.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Andres Tilkin of Argentina walks us through how they are embracing Industrialized Construction methods throughout the country.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

What makes housing affordable? Lower house payments? Lower rents?

How about lower costs to construct?

Join our host as he walks you through a real affordable housing solution.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Part 2 of our discussion with Mateo Atwi, Co-founder of US Frame Factory in New Iberia, LA.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Mateo Atwi, Co-Founder of US Frame Factory joins us for part 1 of this 2 part series. If you are into CFS, this is your geek talk moment. Spark discussion from a really smart entrepreneur.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

An in depth conversation with one of the leading minds in Lean manufacturing methodology.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Agreat discussion on robotics and AI and its utilization in construction, specifically prefabrication and modular methodologies.

Discover the innovative work of Yudhisthir Gauli as he explores the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence in the construction industry. This insightful overview delves into the significant benefits of automation in affordable housing, highlighting how robotics enhance the efficiency and quality of homebuilding. Gauli outlines the essential steps in using robotics to process requests and orders, emphasizing the global influence and potential for customization in manufacturing. This content is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of construction and technological advancements in the field.

Yudhisthir Gauli, the President and Founder of Pioneering Autonomous Industrial Robotics, is reshaping the fabric of contemporary factories with unparalleled efficiency and innovation. With a specialized focus on the manufacturing of building components, Gauli's visionary leadership is driving transformative change within the industry. A seasoned robotic entrepreneur and holder of multiple patents, Gauli boasts a rich history spanning decades, deeply rooted in manufacturing expertise.

As a trailblazer in the realm of Autonomous Industrial Robotics, Gauli's contributions have been instrumental in revolutionizing modern factory landscapes. His adeptness lies in seamlessly integrating groundbreaking efficiency and pioneering practices into the very heart of manufacturing processes. With Gauli at the helm, expect nothing short of a paradigm shift in industrial automation, as he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the pursuit of operational excellence.

https://arrtsm.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrtsm/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yudhisthir/

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Doug Hayden, President and Founder of Arthroto Group, leads a forward-thinking and rapidly growing company that specializes in prefabricated solutions for the conversion of unused office space into innovative residential and mixed-use properties. With over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, he have a proven track record of delivering high-quality and sustainable projects that rejuvenate urban landscapes and meet the evolving needs of modern living.

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry. 

Join Arden Styles as he explores Seed Homes' innovative approach to affordable housing through the use of modular homes. This detailed discussion reveals how Seed Homes constructs comfortable, transportable living spaces without compromising quality. Styles dives into the broader context of the housing crisis, examining government roles and responses. Additionally, he shares insights on utilizing steel in affordable housing projects, offering a durable and cost-effective solution. This segment is essential for anyone interested in sustainable housing solutions and government policy in real estate.

Arden Styles is a professionally certified executive with over 25 years of experience in transforming and improving operations in customer-focused organizations. His expertise in assessing complex business challenges, formulating creative solutions, and executing effectively. Specializing in compelling branding, marketing strategy, business transformation, strategy development and execution, program management, and business process enhancement.

Styles was featured in the Top 100 Canadian Professionals Magazine – 2023 Edition. International experience and a global perspective - worked with and advised top-tier organizations throughout Canada, the United States, Western Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Professional experience backed by solid education and certifications including MBA and Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.

https://seed-homes.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardenstyles/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/91135346/admin/feed/posts/

https://www.instagram.com/seedhomesnation/

📺 Watch and subscribe to the newest episode on the Build It Better Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildItBetterPodcast

🎙️ Listen to the #podcast on your favorite platform:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xGJygNApTTUn64HlYss1K?si=00d2413163c74848

The Build It Better Podcast brings you the news and most up to date advances in the prefabricated cold formed steel industry while introducing you to the industry leader in technology, equipment and software. Whether you're a builder, architect or engineer, join us on this journey and let us introduce you to the future of construction with prefabricated cold-formed steel!

Robert Johnson, the host, is a highly accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Throughout his impressive career, he has held numerous leadership positions at some of the wealthiest and most prominent construction firms in the industry.